The Moon Lab: Workshops

Welcome to The Moon Lab…

What’s behind the name? The moon is a symbol that represents our emotions, dreams and the unconscious mind (or, as we say in gestalt, things out of awareness). However, what we experience on the surface doesn’t always reflect what’s going on underneath, the vast depths of our potential.

I run a variety of online (and sometimes, in-person) workshops throughout the year, usually themed around dreams, lucid dreaming, mindfulness, journalling or poetry therapy.

In addition to being a gestalt psychotherapist, I’m also a qualified mindfulness teacher and a Certified Poetry Therapist (CPT).

I’m fully insured and operating under the governing body of the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) for gestalt psychotherapy. I also adhere to the guidance from the Mindfulness Association (mindfulness) and the International Federation of Biblio Poetry Therapy and Lapidus (poetry therapy).

Unfortunately, I cannot currently offer these workshops to psychotherapy clients I am actively working with, due to professional boundaries and the ethical framework I adhere to.

Poetry Therapy

For those who love to write, or simply for anyone who feels drawn to journaling or creative writing for self-growth, I host writing for wellbeing workshops. Using various forms, including poetry, as a way to tune in and use the page to explore, process and heal your inner world.

Dream Work

Either working on a 1:1 basis or within a workshop setting, learn how to use your dreams for self-growth. I teach ways to use lucid dreaming, and different sleep states, to support and improve your wellbeing. The lucid state is a refined and powerful state of consciousness you can harness while you sleep.

Mindfulness

I offer 1:1, group + corporate mindfulness sessions. Mindfulness is a compelling approach for reducing stress, anxiety, anger, substance abuse and trauma. Research shows that meditation results in significant physical and mental health benefits after as little as eight weeks of daily practice.

Neuro Scribbly August: Welcome to the Unmasked Pages

Sunday, 9th August 2026 | 4-6pm (BST) (£25)

A writing for wellbeing space for the neurodivergent community, and open to all.

Spend two hours engaging in gentle writing prompts and journalling activities. I’ll also share a poem, piece of writing or image/photography in each session for us to explore.

The format:

  • The first hour includes a short introduction, a warm-up writing prompt, and a shared poem. We’ll explore our emotional responses to it rather than literary analysis.
  • After a short 5-minute break, the final 55 minutes will offer a range of journalling prompts, with space to write, reflect, and (if you wish) share and explore what’s arisen.

I’m hoping this will become a monthly group. This first session is a chance to begin and see what unfolds.

Two free spaces are available for unwaged individuals. Please email for details.

Come as you are…

• Keep your camera off if that feels more comfortable
• No expectation to share anything you write
• You’re free to step away or leave early if needed (prompts can be sent after)
• Take breaks whenever your body or attention needs them
• Come as you are – fidgeting, moving, doodling, lying down all welcome
• Gentle, flexible pacing (nothing timed too tightly)
• You can engage in your own way – writing, thinking, or simply being there

Head to Eventbrite to book, or email (no booking fee).

Holding the Holder / Returning to Yourself
A Summer School Poetry Therapy Workshop for Caring Professionals

Sunday 30 August 2026 | 3pm – 5.30pm (BST) (£35)


When your work centres around supporting others, it can be easy to lose sight of yourself. You spend your days listening, containing, encouraging, reassuring and caring. This gentle online workshop offers a rare opportunity to reverse the flow, creating space to pause, reflect and reconnect with the person behind the professional role.


Together we’ll explore the experience of caring for the caregiver through carefully chosen poetry, reflective writing prompts, gentle experiential exercises and supportive conversation. Drawing on ideas from relational gestalt psychotherapy and poetry therapy, we’ll gently consider what you offer so freely to others and what you, too, may be needing.

This is not a workshop about becoming a “better therapist” or “better carer”. It is an invitation to replenish yourself, nurture your own wellbeing and return, however briefly, to yourself.

Whether you’re a therapist, counsellor, social worker, teacher, nurse, coach, support worker or anyone in a caring role, you’re very welcome to join.


During the workshop we’ll explore:

  • Restorative poetry and shared reflection
  • Creative journalling and expressive writing exercises
  • The Gestalt concept of proflection and caring for the self through awareness
  • Gentle mindfulness and guided reflection
  • Practical ways to take your own needs seriously without guilt
    No previous experience of poetry or creative writing is needed. This is not about writing “good” poems. It is simply about noticing, reflecting and giving yourself permission to be cared for, too.

    Before we begin. To help create a nurturing space, you’re invited to bring:
  • Coloured pens and paper or a journal
  • A favourite drink
  • A candle (optional)
  • Something comforting, perhaps a blanket, pet, cuddly toy or fidget item

Come exactly as you are. Just a gentle afternoon of poetry, reflection and returning to yourself.

Head to Eventbrite to book, or email (no booking fee).

Neuro Scribbly September: Welcome to the Unmasked Pages

Sunday, 6th September 2026 | 4-6pm (BST) (£25)

A writing for wellbeing space for the neurodivergent community, and open to all.

Spend two hours engaging in gentle writing prompts and journalling activities. I’ll also share a poem, piece of writing or image/photography in each session for us to explore.

The format:

  • The first hour includes a short introduction, a warm-up writing prompt, and a shared poem. We’ll explore our emotional responses to it rather than literary analysis.
  • After a short 5-minute break, the final 55 minutes will offer a range of journalling prompts, with space to write, reflect, and (if you wish) share and explore what’s arisen.

I’m hoping this will become a monthly group. This first session is a chance to begin and see what unfolds.

Two free spaces are available for unwaged individuals. Please email for details.

Come as you are…

• Keep your camera off if that feels more comfortable
• No expectation to share anything you write
• You’re free to step away or leave early if needed (prompts can be sent after)
• Take breaks whenever your body or attention needs them
• Come as you are – fidgeting, moving, doodling, lying down all welcome
• Gentle, flexible pacing (nothing timed too tightly)
• You can engage in your own way – writing, thinking, or simply being there

Head to Eventbrite to book, or email (no booking fee).

Intro to Poetry Therapy

Thursday 1 October 2026 | 4-6pm (BST) (£45)
Celebrate National Poetry Day (1 Oct 2026), with this interactive CPD workshop for therapists, counsellors, social workers and educators.

Curious about how poetry can deepen therapeutic work?

This engaging two-hour online workshop offers an introduction to the growing field of poetry therapy and therapeutic writing. Whether you’re completely new to the approach or already use journalling or creative exercises with clients, you’ll discover practical, relational ways of incorporating poetry into your work.

Together we’ll explore how carefully chosen poems, reflective writing and guided discussion can foster awareness, insight, self-compassion and meaningful therapeutic dialogue. You’ll also gain an overview of the different approaches to writing for wellbeing, including expressive writing, journalling, bibliotherapy and poetry therapy, and consider when and how these methods may be appropriate within clinical practice.

During the workshop you’ll:

  • Discover what poetry therapy is and how it differs from expressive writing and bibliotherapy.
  • Learn the core principles behind therapeutic writing and poetry therapy.
  • Explore the benefits of using poems in therapeutic settings.
  • Understand how to select poems with therapeutic value.
  • Experience a range of reflective writing exercises for yourself.
  • Consider how poetry might be integrated ethically and sensitively into one-to-one or group work.
  • Leave with practical ideas, recommended resources and renewed inspiration for your own practice.
  • This workshop is experiential rather than literary. No previous experience of reading or writing poetry is required, and you won’t be expected to share anything you’ve written unless you choose to. The emphasis is on curiosity, reflection and discovering another creative doorway into therapeutic practice.

    Who is it for?
  • Counsellors
  • Psychotherapists
  • Social workers
  • Mental health professionals
  • Coaches
  • Educators
  • Students and trainees interested in creative therapeutic approaches

    Facilitated by Leah Larwood MA, UKCP, CPT
    Leah is a Relational Gestalt Psychotherapist, Certified Poetry Therapist and published poet. She specialises in integrating poetry, creativity and relational psychotherapy to support emotional growth, self-awareness and healing.

Head to Eventbrite to book, or email (no booking fee).

Over the last 6 years, The Moon Lab has been featured in…

Workshop Terms & Conditions


Booking: Your place is confirmed only once payment has been received, either directly or via Eventbrite. Eventbrite’s own booking terms and privacy policy also apply.


Cancellation by You: If you cancel more than 7 days before the workshop, a full refund will be provided. If you cancel within 7 days of the workshop, refunds cannot normally be offered, although where possible I may be able to transfer your place to a future workshop. You are also welcome to transfer your place to another person with prior agreement.


Cancellation by Me: Occasionally circumstances beyond my control may require a workshop to be postponed or cancelled. If this happens you will be offered either: a full refund; or a transfer to a future workshop.

Online workshops: Please ensure you have a suitable internet connection and a private space if attending therapeutic or reflective workshops online. Workshop recordings are not permitted unless agreed in advance.


Wellbeing: Workshops are educational and reflective experiences. They are not a substitute for psychotherapy, medical treatment or crisis support. If I feel a workshop may not be the most appropriate space for your current circumstances, I reserve the right to discuss this with you before confirming your booking.


Copyright: Workshop materials remain the copyright of Leah Larwood unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced or distributed without permission.